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Sacramento Paralysis Lawyer

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Compassionate Paralysis Attorneys in Sacramento

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to providing top-tier legal help for paralysis victims in Sacramento. We understand that a paralysis injury can drastically alter your life and the lives of your loved ones. That’s why our team of experienced Sacramento injury lawyers is committed to guiding you through every step of the paralysis injury settlement process to secure the maximum compensation for paralysis injuries.

With a proven track record in handling complex paralysis cases, we’ve helped numerous clients recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Our client testimonials reflect our unwavering commitment to securing justice for those who have suffered life-changing injuries. You can review our Case Results and Client Testimonials to learn more about our success in these types of cases.

If you or a loved one has suffered a paralysis injury, don’t wait—schedule a free consultation with a paralysis injury attorney at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today. Our team is ready to help you navigate the legal system and get the support you need to move forward.

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SETTLEMENT

$60,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit.

Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

A whistleblower case exposing fraudulent practices in the state of California resulted…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$8,000,000

Truck Accident

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young…
Learn More

JUDGEMENT

$3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck…
Learn More

Understanding Paralysis Under California Law

Paralysis is a life-altering injury with profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In California, individuals affected by paralysis from accidents, medical malpractice, or violence have the legal right to pursue compensation. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the leading causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the U.S. include vehicular accidents (39.3%), falls (31.8%), and violence, primarily gunshot wounds (13.5%). Each year, approximately 17,730 new cases of SCI are reported, and between 249,000 and 363,000 people are currently living with these life-changing injuries.

The impact of SCI is staggering. The first-year medical costs for a person with paraplegia can reach $550,381, while the costs for quadriplegia can exceed $1 million. Lifetime expenses for quadriplegics can exceed $5 million, depending on the severity of the injury. These statistics underline the significant financial burden paralysis can place on victims and their families.

As a Sacramento paralysis lawyer, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is committed to helping victims of paralysis navigate the complexities of filing a paralysis injury claim and seeking fair compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered from paralysis due to an accident or medical negligence, our experienced Sacramento paralysis attorneys are here to help. 

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Common Causes of Paralysis Injuries in Sacramento

Paralysis injuries in Sacramento can result from a variety of accidents or incidents, each causing life-altering consequences. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of these injuries and are committed to providing expert legal help for paralysis victims in Sacramento. Some of the most common causes of paralysis injuries include:

  1. Car and Truck Accidents: Vehicle collisions are one of the most frequent causes of paralysis. The force from a car or truck crash can cause severe spinal cord injuries, resulting in permanent paralysis. Blunt force trauma, vehicle rollovers, and rear-end collisions are just a few scenarios where such injuries occur.
  2. Workplace Accidents: Certain occupations, especially in construction, manufacturing, and high-risk industries, carry a greater risk of paralysis injuries. Falls from heights, heavy machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous conditions can all lead to severe spinal cord damage.
  3. Medical Malpractice: Paralysis can also result from medical negligence, such as surgical errors, anesthesia mishaps, or improper treatment. In these cases, medical professionals or hospitals may be held accountable for the harm caused.
  4. Sports Injuries: High-contact sports like football or accidents during recreational activities can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. Such injuries are particularly concerning for younger individuals.
  5. Defective Products: When a product malfunctions or is poorly designed, it can lead to accidents that cause paralysis. Defective machinery, faulty equipment, or safety gear failures can result in life-changing injuries.
  6. Falls and Slips: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail to do so, dangerous conditions like wet floors, broken stairs, or faulty railings can cause serious falls, leading to paralysis.

Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the paralysis injury settlement process. For more information on how we can assist you, visit our Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney page.

Types of Paralysis Injuries We Handle

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand the profound impact that paralysis injuries can have on individuals and their families. As an experienced Sacramento paralysis lawyer, we are well-equipped to handle a range of paralysis cases. Each case requires a tailored approach due to the complexities of different types of paralysis. We offer comprehensive legal support for the following conditions:

  1. Quadriplegia: This is the most severe form of paralysis, resulting in a loss of function in both the arms and legs. Quadriplegia is often caused by significant trauma to the upper spinal cord, which can occur in car accidents, falls, or other catastrophic injuries.
  2. Paraplegia: Injuries to the lower spinal cord may result in paraplegia, which affects the lower body, including the legs and sometimes organs like the bladder or bowel. These types of injuries often occur due to workplace accidents, motor vehicle crashes, or falls.
  3. Hemiplegia: This condition involves paralysis on one side of the body and is often caused by a stroke, spinal injury, or severe accident. Hemiplegia can significantly alter the victim’s quality of life and daily functioning.
  4. Temporary Paralysis: Sometimes, paralysis can be temporary, caused by swelling, nerve compression, or inflammation following an injury. With appropriate treatment, the condition may improve over time, but it still requires legal attention for proper compensation.
  5. Partial Paralysis: This refers to paralysis that affects only specific parts of the body, such as one arm or leg. While not as severe as other types, partial paralysis can still have a profound impact on a person’s ability to perform daily activities and earn a living.

No matter the type of paralysis injury you’ve sustained, our Sacramento paralysis attorneys at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys are here to offer legal help for paralysis victims in Sacramento. We work closely with our clients, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. 

WE FIGHT FOR YOUR MAXIMUM INJURY COMPENSATION

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Types of Compensation Available for Paralysis Injuries

When working with an experienced Sacramento injury lawyer at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, you can expect a comprehensive approach to securing the compensation you deserve for your paralysis injury. Below are the key types of compensation that may be available:

  • Medical Bills and Ongoing Rehabilitation: The costs of immediate and long-term medical care, such as surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other rehabilitative services, can be covered as part of your paralysis injury claim. Our Sacramento paralysis attorney will ensure all of your medical needs are accounted for.
  • Assistive Devices and Home Modifications: Paralysis often requires specialized equipment and home modifications. Whether it’s a wheelchair, prosthetics, or ramp installation, we will fight to ensure that you receive the necessary resources for day-to-day living.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Potential: Paralysis can have a significant impact on your ability to work, both in the short and long-term. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and the reduced earning capacity you face due to your injuries.
  • Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress: A Sacramento paralysis lawyer will also pursue compensation for the emotional and psychological effects of paralysis, which can include anxiety, depression, and the pain of permanent disability.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Paralysis Injury Case?

The timeline for settling a paralysis injury case can vary based on several critical factors. As your Sacramento paralysis lawyer, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys understands the complexities involved in each case and works diligently to ensure a fair and timely resolution.

  • Severity of Injuries and Recovery Time: The more severe the paralysis injury, the longer it may take to fully understand the extent of necessary medical treatments and long-term care. This can affect how quickly a settlement can be reached.
  • Complexity of the Case: If there are multiple liable parties involved or disputes over liability, the case may take longer to resolve. Our Sacramento paralysis attorney will navigate these complexities to protect your interests.
  • Insurance Negotiations and Available Evidence: Insurance companies often delay settlements, especially in severe injury cases. Our severe accident attorneys are well-versed in handling these negotiations, ensuring that all available evidence supports your claim for fair compensation.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we provide legal help for paralysis victims in Sacramento and guide you through the paralysis injury settlement process with compassion and expertise. To get started, schedule a free consultation with a paralysis injury attorney today.

What Causes Paralysis in a Car Accident?

Car accidents are a leading cause of paralysis, particularly due to spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, and blunt trauma. In collisions, the force of impact can severely damage the spinal cord, affecting your ability to move and feel below the point of injury. Common scenarios such as vehicle rollovers or side-impact collisions often cause these types of injuries, which can result in life-altering consequences.

In cases of severe spinal cord injuries, damage to the upper back and neck area may lead to quadriplegia, while injuries to the lower spine can result in paraplegia. These injuries not only change your life physically but also carry significant emotional and financial burdens. As an experienced Sacramento paralysis lawyer, we are committed to securing the compensation for paralysis injuries you deserve.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for Paralysis Injuries?

In California, those responsible for causing paralysis injuries can be held liable for the resulting damages, as per state law. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we work tirelessly to ensure that victims of paralysis injuries receive the compensation they deserve. Here are the common parties who may be liable:

  • Negligent Drivers: If a driver causes an accident due to distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, they may be held accountable for the injuries sustained, including paralysis. A Sacramento paralysis lawyer can help you pursue a claim against the responsible driver for compensation.
  • Property Owners: In cases where accidents occur due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held responsible. Premises liability laws protect individuals injured by unsafe conditions, such as poorly maintained walkways that cause serious falls leading to paralysis.
  • Employers: Employers are obligated to maintain a safe working environment. If an injury occurs due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, the employer could be held accountable. 
  • Manufacturers of Defective Products: In cases involving defective products, the manufacturer may be held liable for any injuries caused by their products, including accidents that result in paralysis. If a defective product causes a catastrophic injury, a paralysis injury law firm in Sacramento can help you seek justice.

Whether you’re filing a paralysis injury claim or navigating the paralysis injury settlement process, our team is ready to assist.

How Much Compensation Is a Paralysis Injury Claim Worth?

When it comes to filing a paralysis injury claim, compensation for paralysis injuries takes into account several important factors. As a Sacramento paralysis lawyer, we understand how these factors impact your financial recovery. These factors may include:

  • Medical Treatments: The costs of ongoing care, including surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, are significant. A Sacramento paralysis attorney will work to ensure you receive compensation for all the medical expenses necessary for your recovery.
  • Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, prosthetics, home modifications, and other assistive devices can be critical for a victim’s mobility and independence. The costs of these devices and necessary home adjustments will be considered in the claim.
  • Lost Income: A paralysis injury can prevent a person from returning to work, leading to lost wages and potential future earning capacity. You may be entitled to compensation for both current lost income and reduced earning potential.
  • Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injury, paralysis often causes significant emotional distress and suffering. As the best paralysis injury lawyer in Sacramento, we fight for your right to compensation for these non-economic damages.

The paralysis injury settlement process can be complex, but our team at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to ensure you are fairly compensated.

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Can You Be Temporarily Paralyzed After an Accident?

Temporary paralysis occurs when there is a temporary loss of function in part or all of the body. It is often caused by swelling, nerve compression, or inflammation that disrupts the normal functioning of the spinal cord or nerves. Conditions like herniated discs, bruising, or inflammation from an accident can cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, resulting in temporary paralysis. While this paralysis can be reversible, it often requires prompt and effective medical intervention.

If you experience symptoms of temporary paralysis following an accident, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to determine the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment. Not only is medical care essential, but it’s also vital to consult with a Sacramento paralysis lawyer who specializes in these types of injuries. 

Why Choose Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys for Your Paralysis Injury Case?

If you’ve suffered a paralysis injury due to an accident, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to provide you with exceptional legal help. Here’s why we stand out as the best paralysis injury lawyer in Sacramento:

  • Thorough Investigation: Our Sacramento paralysis attorney team leaves no stone unturned. We conduct a meticulous investigation into every incident, identifying all responsible parties, and collecting the evidence necessary to build a strong case in your favor. This thorough approach helps ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
  • Strong Legal Advocacy: At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are skilled negotiators who know how to deal with insurance companies. Our experienced Sacramento injury lawyer team fights for maximum compensation for paralysis injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We also represent you in court if necessary, ensuring your rights are fully protected.
  • Personalized Approach: We understand that every case is unique. Our paralysis injury law firm in Sacramento provides tailored solutions that fit your specific needs, helping you navigate the complex paralysis injury settlement process with confidence.
  • Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation with a paralysis injury attorney to discuss your case and your options. We are committed to providing legal help for paralysis victims in Sacramento, and our team is ready to fight for your future.

Contact Our Sacramento Paralysis Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a paralysis injury, it’s crucial to seek the legal support you need. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help. Our Sacramento paralysis lawyers offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with an experienced paralysis injury attorney without any financial obligation.

We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation for paralysis injuries you deserve. Our severe accident attorneys have the expertise to handle complex cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, and other life-altering conditions. 

Don’t wait – time is critical when pursuing compensation. Contact Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Sacramento paralysis attorney. We’re here to provide you with the legal help you need to rebuild your life after a tragic accident.

LATEST NEWS

Treble Damages in California Trucking Cases

justice4you January 30, 2026

California law provides a specific statutory remedy for victims injured by impaired commercial vehicle drivers when their employers fail to meet federal safety requirements. Understanding when treble damages apply—and how they differ from standard punitive damages—is crucial for truck accident victims seeking maximum compensation. What Are Treble Damages? Treble damages allow injured parties to recover three times their actual damages under specific legal circumstances. In California trucking cases, this remedy is narrowly defined and differs significantly from general punitive damages available in other personal injury cases. California Civil Code § 3333.7: Statutory Treble Damages Requirements for Recovery Under California Civil Code § 3333.7, injured parties may recover treble damages from a commercial motor vehicle driver’s employer when all of the

California Trucking Accidents: Standards of Care

justice4you January 29, 2026

California law establishes different standards of care for trucking operations depending on the type of service provided. While most commercial trucking companies transporting freight are subject to ordinary negligence standards, federal motor carrier safety regulations impose enhanced duties that can significantly affect liability in truck accident cases. Key Takeaways: Commercial carriers of goods generally DO NOT have the duty of “utmost care” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) DO create heightened standards in specific situations Large truck drivers must exercise greater caution than ordinary motorists Licensed motor carriers have nondelegable safety duties Common Carrier Standard: When Does “Utmost Care” Apply? The Enhanced Duty for Passenger Transportation California Civil Code section 2100 requires carriers of persons for reward to use “the

Punitive Damages in California Personal Injury Cases

justice4you January 28, 2026

What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are extra money a court can order a wrongdoer to pay, on top of the money that compensates an injured person for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The main goal of punitive damages is not to repay the victim, but to punish especially bad behavior and to discourage similar conduct in the future. Think of punitive damages as a financial penalty for conduct that is much worse than ordinary carelessness. In California, punitive damages are not common. They are reserved for cases where the defendant’s conduct is particularly harmful, intentional, or shows a conscious disregard for the safety or rights of others. Most personal injury cases involve simple negligence (for example,

Settlement - $3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck left Ryan Eisenbrandt’s surviving wife and parents with a judgment of $3.9 million, but the defendant’s insurance company refused to pay. This resulted in a second, intense legal battle between Plaintiffs and Defendant’s insurance company.

During the pendency of the wrongful death case, Defendant’s insurance company had filed a federal court action to rescind the defendants $1,000,000 insurance policy, claiming that defendant had made misrepresentations when applying for that policy. Initially, the federal court agreed with the insurance company, granting summary judgment that effectively denied recovery to the Eisenbrandts given the defendant was otherwise insolvent. The Arnold firm and the Eisenbrandts refused to accept this unfair outcome. They appealed the federal judge’s ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court and sent the case back to the same federal judge for a trial on the merits.

Christine Doyle of the Arnold Firm tried the case in February 2011 in front of the same judge who had previously thrown out the Eisenbrandt’s case. A unanimous advisory jury and the trial judge, after hearing the true facts about the insurance company’s effort to avoid responsibility, found in the Eisenbrandts favor. After four years of fighting for what is right, the insurance company was ordered to pay up.

Settlement - $8,000,000

Truck Accident

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young mother of three. She was calling from the hospital where her husband Christopher had been air-lifted for treatment of severe injuries from a tragic motor vehicle accident earlier that day. Angela’s mother, a past client of our firm, had encouraged her to give us a call.

As it turns out, Angela’s prompt contact with us was a very important decision for their family. Immediate representation allowed our team to secure critical evidence right away — appropriate storage and analysis of the vehicle to avoid tampering, timely professional photography of the scene, and interviews of involved parties — which ended up being imperative to the details of Christopher’s case.

A commercial vehicle had failed to stop at a rural stop-sign intersection, colliding with the compact sedan driven by Christopher, an active 33-year-old father. The impact caused extensive damage to his spinal cord in the cervical area. Despite multiple surgeries, rehabilitation programs for physical and psychological therapy, and in-home care, his injuries rendered him a paraplegic, paralyzed from the mid-chest. In an instant, life as he had known it was gone forever.

At the time of the accident, the at-fault driver of the commercial vehicle was acting within the scope of his employment with a large corporation. With the employer being directly liable, as such, defense counsel fought hard to minimize Christopher’s damages, claiming that his being unemployed at that time devalued his losses. Our legal team made sure Christopher’s true losses were represented, including his potential income, his options and mobility, his ability to provide for and support his family, and the lifetime of care he now needed. Christopher’s injuries also dramatically affected his spouse’s daily life, resulting in a claim on her behalf.

Furthermore, the extent of Christopher’s injuries were, in part, due to defects involving the dual-restraint system in his own vehicle. Despite the manufacturer’s efforts to deny any responsibility, the Arnold Law Firm established negligence relevant to his case.

The result was a settlement of $8 million — the largest pre-trial settlement for this type of case in the region. Christopher now has the resources to receive the ongoing care he now requires, improve the quality of his life and take care of his young family.

Verdict - $10,200,000

Motorcycle Accident

The Arnold Law Firm is pleased to report that our attorneys received a $10.2 million verdict handed down in Modesto. Defense counsel was Kevin Cholakian of San Francisco. The defense rejected a 998 within the $1 million policy limits three years ago. The highest defense offer was $350k.

The case involved a blind corner dirt fire road collision between a truck driven by the defendant and a motorcycle driven by the plaintiff Dan Nixon. THe plaintiff had no recollection of the collision. The defendant claimed that the plaintiff had too much speed for the corner and lost control. The plaintiff’s son (who identified the wrong curve in discovery) claimed that the defendant was on the wrong side of the curve, causing his dad to make an unsuccessful emergency maneuver. The jury assessed 70% fault to the defendant and 30% to plaintiff.

The plaintiff, now 50-years-old, suffered a dislocated right knee with popliteal artery rupture which has left him with an unstable knee, and permanently damaged lower leg. Because of vascular damage he is not a candidate for knee reconstruction or replacement. The plaintiff’s treating doctors testified that he will require an above knee amputation within 20 years. Past lost wages were $78,000 and past medicals were $570,000. The jury awarded $7.5 million in general damages (3 m. past and 4.5 m. future) as well as all future economic damages asked for by the plaintiff. The jury deliberated for 3 and a half hours.

Settlement - $17,000,000

Data Breach

Infinity/Kemper Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, and Mason, Lietz, & Klinger, and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP, reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach class action lawsuit, also known as Irma Carrera et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, filed in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:20-cv-01883. The settlement is valued at over $17 million.

The Honorable Judge Martha M. Pacold granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement on October 27, 2021.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the class members will receive access to Aura’s Financial Shield Services for a period of 18 months, up to $10,000 for reimbursement of documented out-of-pocket losses reasonably traceable to the Data Breach, up to 3 hours of time spent remedying issues related to the breach at $18 per hour, and $50 for Class Members who are California residents.

History of the data breach: On April 8, 2021, the Arnold Law Firm and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP filed the first class action complaint against Kemper and Infinity in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entitled Irma Carrera Aguallo et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, Case No. 1:21-cv-01883. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) negligence per se, (3) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices, (4) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices, (5) violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100, et seq., (6) violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Cal. Civ. Code § 1750, et seq., (7) violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Florida Statute § 501.201, et seq., (8) breach of implied contract, (9) declaratory judgment, and (10) unjust enrichment arising from the data breach.

Settlement - $18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

Whistleblowers Represented by Arnold Law Firm Expose Fraudulent Practices by the Pill Club, Case Settled With California DOJ

The Arnold Law Firm and the Hirst Law Group represented two whistleblowers who helped expose fraudulent practices by a start-up online pharmacy company called The Pill Club.

The company allegedly used fraudulent practices to bill California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, for their services. The Pill Club is also alleged to have violated state laws by allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe contraceptive products to women without proper supervision or training from a licensed medical doctor.

For their part in blowing the whistle on the company they worked for, and as part of California Qui Tam laws, the whistleblowers and their attorneys recovered $4.9 million from the $18.275 million settlement paid to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

Settlement - $60,000,000

Data Breach

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, Nussbaum Law Group, P.C. and others, reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit, also known as In re Morgan Stanley Data Security Litigation, filed in the United States District Court Southern District of New York, Case No. 1:20-cv-05914-AT. The settlement resulted in a $60 million settlement fund to benefit class members.

The Motion for Preliminary Approval was filed on December 31, 2021 with the Honorable Judge Analisa Torres.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the 15 million class members will be provided access to Aura’s Financial Shield services for at least two years, which includes a $1 million insurance policy protecting each subscriber, credit monitoring, identity freezing, dark web monitoring, income tax protection and more services. The fund will also provide payments to people who submit valid claims for out-of-pocket expenses and/or up to four hours of lost-time incurred as a result of the data breach. Lost time allows victims of the data breach to be paid at $25 per hour for up to four hours of attested time spent dealing with the data breach. Out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed up to $10,000 if the costs or expenditures are fairly traceable to the data breach.

History of the data breach: On July 29, 2020, the Arnold Law Firm and Morgan & Morgan filed the first class action lawsuit against Morgan Stanley in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York entitled Sylvia Tillman et al. v. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC., Case No. 1:20-cv-05914. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) invasion of privacy; (3) negligence per se; (4) unjust enrichment; (5) violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices; and (6) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.